The nine inputs to gather
- Current drawings and revision date.
- Written scope, finish schedule and responsibility matrix.
- Equipment list, cut sheets and utility loads where available.
- Existing conditions, dimensions and known demolition limits.
- Landlord delivery condition and tenant-improvement rules.
- Permitted use and the likely review path for the actual project.
- Trade bids, allowances, exclusions and owner-supplied items.
- Long-lead materials, submittal timing and decision deadlines.
- Insurance, access, working-hour, inspection and closeout requirements.
Price uncertainty honestly
When the documents are incomplete, list the assumption, the cost or schedule exposure, and the person who must confirm it. Separate a fixed quote from an allowance, a unit rate, a budget placeholder and work explicitly excluded.
Avoid implying that unknown site conditions or agency review times are included unless your contract and scope actually account for them. Keep alternates separate so the owner can compare the same base scope across bids.
Bring the right questions forward
For Florida food-service projects, DBPR identifies circumstances when plan review is required and requests scaled plans and a sample menu for review. Accessibility requirements may also apply to new construction or alterations. The responsible design team and authorities determine the project-specific requirements; these references are prompts to coordinate early, not a substitute for review.